My grandmother died when I was eighteen years old, having been diagnosed with Alzehimer’s Disease several years beforehand. I did not see her much as her dementia started to progress; I believe it would have been a landmine of confusion for both of us.

Improving care in care homes is a national and international priority. I truly believe that a good quality evidence base is key to advocating change, and this isn’t going to happen without care homes being involved in research.

Care home research has traditionally been considered too difficult, and perhaps unnecessary, but while there are challenges to working in this sector, it can be very rewarding. I have reflected on my own experiences working as a researcher in this environment.

The ‘Enabling Research in Care Home (ENRICH)’ toolkit provides information and guidance for researchers, care home staff and residents and supports research in care homes to improve the quality of life and care for all care home residents, especially those with dementia.

The Research Ready Care Home Network connects care home residents, managers and staff with researchers. Why is this important? Well, there are lots of reasons…